When Does Interpretation Start?

When does one begin to develop an interpretation of a piece? The common wisdom is that you learn to play it first, then add in the “musical stuff” later.

That’s a flawed conception. It treats a piece as two separate entities: technique and physical movements vs. musical elements and interpretation.

The way we execute a piece physically (technique) is a direct product of interpretation. Playing a diminuendo requires a different sort of technique that just playing at even volume. Forte feels different in the fingers than piano.

So in a sense “learning” a peice first, then adding musical elements is like learning two sets of movements. And considering that most guitarists only interpret as an afterthought to finger wiggling, we’re left with a majority of our practice time devoted to a dry so called “un-interpreted**” version of a piece that comes out on stage because we spent more time practicing that way.

Practice and incorporate musical elements from the start of working a piece, and ingrain those movements from day one. Of course you’ll change things along the way and be able to do more interpretive elements, but it can’t hurt to get a head start.

**There’s no such thing as uninterpreted music. Even the lack of making a choice about a musical element is making a choice about the element, and it still results in an “interpretation” that comes out of the player.

Wonderful issue that is worthy of the beginning performer. I’ve found that the best way for me to insure the interpretive nuances of a given new piece are brought out from the beginning is to start by not playing at all. Begin every new piece by just sitting down with the score and study it. Consider the dynamic and tempo markings and make notes that you will understand with a mere glance. (I only say this because too many notations may cause problems when actually reading with the instrument. Yet, as long as you know what it means, that’s all that matters.)

“There’s no such thing as uninterpreted music. Even the lack of making a choice about a musical element is making a choice about the element, and it still results in an “interpretation” that comes out of the player.”

However, it’s much more exciting to hear a musician’s personal take on what legato and staccato means to them.

Even slight variations in tempos described as Adante or Presto are interesting to witness and hear.